Drug Detail:Propafenone (Propafenone [ proe-paf-e-none ])
Generic Name: Propafenone Tablets [ pro-PAF-en-one ]
Drug Class: Group I antiarrhythmics
Warning
- This medicine is only to be used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats. Other abnormal heartbeats have happened with this medicine (propafenone tablets), which in rare cases can be deadly. Talk to the doctor if you have any questions about this medicine (propafenone tablets).
Uses of Propafenone Tablets:
- It is used to treat certain types of abnormal heartbeats.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Propafenone Tablets?
- If you have an allergy to propafenone or any other part of this medicine (propafenone tablets).
- If you are allergic to this medicine (propafenone tablets); any part of this medicine (propafenone tablets); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Breathing or lung problems, Brugada syndrome, electrolyte problems in your blood, low blood pressure, recent heart attack, sick sinus syndrome or heart block without a working pacemaker, shock caused by heart problems, slow heartbeat, or heart failure.
- If you have been taking any drugs to treat a heartbeat that is not normal.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (propafenone tablets).
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (propafenone tablets) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Propafenone Tablets?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (propafenone tablets). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take this medicine (propafenone tablets).
- Myasthenia gravis that has gotten worse has happened during treatment with this medicine (propafenone tablets).
- If you have a defibrillator or pacemaker, talk with your doctor.
- This medicine has caused new or worsened abnormal heartbeats. These can be life-threatening or can cause sudden death. Talk with the doctor.
- You will need an ECG before starting this medicine (propafenone tablets) and during treatment. Talk with your doctor.
- Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
- Tell your doctor if you have too much sweat, fluid loss, throwing up, diarrhea, not hungry, or more thirst.
- This medicine may lower sperm counts in men. This may affect being able to father a child. Talk with the doctor.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using this medicine (propafenone tablets) while you are pregnant.
- Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.
How is this medicine (Propafenone Tablets) best taken?
Use this medicine (propafenone tablets) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Take with or without food.
- Keep taking this medicine (propafenone tablets) as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Fast or slow heartbeat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- An abnormal heartbeat that is new or worse.
- Shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.
- Blurred eyesight.
- Low white blood cell counts have rarely happened with this medicine (propafenone tablets). This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Tell your doctor if you have ever had a low white blood cell count. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat.
What are some other side effects of Propafenone Tablets?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness.
- Upset stomach or throwing up.
- Feeling tired or weak.
- Constipation.
- Change in taste.
- Headache.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Propafenone Tablets?
- Store at room temperature.
- Keep lid tightly closed.
- Protect from light.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (propafenone tablets), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.